Beauty pros: Here’s how to communicate well with your clients & retain them

By Michelle Brookes | 25 May 2024

Mastering the art of effective communication with your clients is essential for retaining their loyalty. You can build strong relationships with clients by actively listening to their needs, feedback, addressing any concerns promptly and providing an exceptional customer service. This ensures that they feel valued and understood.  Within my salon,…

Are you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?

By Katie Barnes | 10 May 2024

When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps.…

Sweet Squared appoints 18 CND™ educators across the UK&I

By Helena Biggs | 9 May 2024

Sweet Squared, provider of professional hair and beauty products and training, has appointed 18 education ambassadors to its CND™ training team. The UK&I distributor for CND™ (Creative Nail Design) now boasts a team of 40 education ambassadors, who each offer brand education and will drive the growth and success of…

What’s the difference between the nail plate & the nail bed?

By Katie Barnes | 26 April 2024

The terminology can be confusing, but it’s crucial to understand the different parts of the nail structure, including the nail plate and the nail bed. In this post, I explore the distinct characteristics of these two components and their roles. THE NAIL PLATE: what you need to know The nail…

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: PBH Dublin & FNP nail competition 2024

By Helena Biggs | 23 April 2024

Professional Beauty & Hair Dublin and the Federation of Nail Professionals (FNP) hosted a nail contest, 21-22 April 2024, with keen nailists competing across 11 categories. The judges in this esteemed competition were: Marian Newman BEM – FNP chair Jacqui O’Sullivan – competition director & head judge Sean O’Sullivan –…

Studex piercing specialist scores slam dunk at US basketball championship

By Helena Biggs | 23 April 2024

What does a piercing brand have in common with basketball players? An unwavering desire to sparkle – and that’s just what happened at the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Final Four Men’s College Basketball Championship in Arizona. Piercing specialist, Studex USA, was invited to the championship in Glendale to join…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Apothecary Room, Halifax, West Yorkshire

By Callie Iley | 18 April 2024

Transforming a plain grey office space into a moody maximalist nail studio carefully curated with curiosities, oddities and antiques, April Kitson wanted to reflect a dark academia aesthetic through her salon décor. “My personal style is heavily influenced by Stevie Nicks and Morticia Addams, so I’ve used vintage and thrifted…

Nail Tech Talk: Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty

By Callie Iley | 17 April 2024

Hand-painted nail artist, Bethany Mann of Beth’s Beauty, Cambridge, shares her love for creating detailed designs and reveals where she finds inspiration for her bright and bold artistry… Having had a passion for nails from a young age, Bethany loved art and studied the subject in school, which inspired her…

Nail Tech Talk: Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty 

By Callie Iley | 12 April 2024

Following her success in winning two Scratch Snap competitions, Carla Brannan of Gelled Pretty shares her nail art journey and goals for 2024…  Carla recalls a lifelong passion for beauty, having always known that her career would be in the industry. “I loved anything to do with hair, make-up and…

Salon in the Spotlight: Eleven Kings, Royston

By Callie Iley | 11 April 2024

Explore Eleven Kings salon as Jess Dickerson discusses its pink and green colour scheme and reveals her future plans in the beauty industry… Despite not enjoying doing her own nails, Jess loved the idea of styling others’ nails. In October 2021, she enrolled in training with Next Step Beauty via…

Gelish unveils On The Go Electric Nail File for beginners & mobile pros

By Callie Iley | 5 April 2024

Gelish has launched the On The Go Electric Nail File: a beginner and student-friendly E-file with a cordless design and lightweight finish. The Gelish Mini On The Go Electric Nail File has three speeds with low, medium and high settings: ideal for removing gel enhancements and shaping, filing and manicuring…

Salon in the Spotlight: The Studio, Doncaster

By Callie Iley | 4 April 2024

Creating a tranquil salon space in The Studio, Doncaster, for her clients to unwind, find out about Lian Davey’s neutral décor choices and the vibes she hopes to create… Having worked in the law sector since her teens, Lian entered the beauty industry after the birth of her son, enrolling…

Nail Tech Talk: Rosie Leek of Nice Girl Nails

By Callie Iley | 3 April 2024

Rosie Leek of Nice Girl Nails, Wolverhampton, shares her sources of inspiration for her eye-catching nail art and reveals how her pink palace nail salon ties to her personality… Recalling a love for nail art from a young age, Rosie Leek highlights airbrush looks and Tumblr-trending crackle nails as old favourites.…

Salon in the Spotlight: JR Beauty, Cheshire

By Scratch Staff | 30 March 2024

Jessica Roach had a double celebration on her 30th birthday, as it not only marked a milestone, but she attained a nail qualification with LIT Training Academy to turn her nail styling hobby into a career. The creative found enjoyment in painting her nails during lockdown, and while on maternity…

Nail Tech Talk: Emma Stephens of Gemini Nails Sussex

By Callie Iley | 27 March 2024

Get to know Emma Stephens of Gemini Nails Sussex, as she shares her story as a nail artist living with chronic illnesses and reveals the inspiration behind her dazzling nail designs… Emma remembers seeing press-on nails for the first time at Claire’s Accessories, noting that since that moment, she was hooked. “Nails…